This quote is a North Star that I continuously return to in all the work that I do. Throughout my career, I have used my identities—and their intersections—as sites of inspiration and fuel. The value of Black storytelling is inherent to who I am, but the larger industry and world I live in haven’t always seen its worth. While there are indicators that the industry is changing, there are still challenges for creatives from marginalized communities. When it comes to progress, we all know how dangerous it is to fall asleep at the wheel—so there is a constant need for strategic advocacy.
My experiences have reinforced the importance of advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and wellness. They’ve provided me with the wisdom and strength to advocate for myself over the years. So, I’m deeply aware of their ability to empower and transform Black creatives, enabling them to invent at their highest capacity.
ADVERTISING
Representation matters. People of color (POC) have been invisible for far too long across the advertising world. I’ve dedicated over a decade of my life’s work to increasing media representation for POC and building corporate partnerships that prioritize multicultural audiences. Throughout my ad work, I challenge brands—including Fortune 100 companies—to tell and amplify our stories, and to do it with beauty and care. It’s landed me at the helm of DEI initiatives for top-tier brands. I guide them through the process of transforming their once apathetic donations into meaningful community partnerships with purposeful contributions.
Young artist speaks at Comcast MLK Day ceremony.
Photo credit: Soul Brother
ARTS
Acting is far more than a job to me. Helping young performers develop their art, and build and create an outlet for expression is so meaningful. I am a Company Member and sit on the Board of Directors of Collaboraction—a theater for social change. Through Collaboraction, I mentor young artist-activists, giving them ongoing support.
Plus, I use my role at the theater to prioritize, write, devise and perform truthful, rich stories that are by and about people of color. This means more work for underrepresented artists and more visibility for our communities.
I make it a point to actively use my SAG-AFTRA standing to be involved in my Local to uplift POC artists and use my vote to support policies and awards that celebrate diverse talent.
The Pierce Twins, my mentees at Collaboraction Theatre
Photo credit: Joel Maisonet
WELLNESS
It’s no surprise that racism, microaggressions and prejudice are harmful and insidious. These toxic factors can transform everyday activities into an exercise in weighty emotional labor. Total wellness is not embraced enough in the entertainment industry, specifically, and in communities of color at large. Living this reality, I’m working to make wellness more accessible.
I’ve spent years teaching in the fitness and wellness world, and have experienced how exclusionary and unvarying it can be. I’ve taken on major players in the mainstream wellness field when it comes to DEI issues, and seen the power and pain they can sometimes wield. In response, I started and ran a blog for years that focused on inclusive wellness for POC. I channeled those lessons into the early stages of developing inclusive wellness spaces. Stay tuned!
Me exploring unexpected wellness opportunities for POC
Photo credit: Olga Nezhevenko
Let’s make change together.
